Pat Duncan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Pat Duncan
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| Canadian Senator from Yukon |
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| Assumed office December 12, 2018 |
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| Nominated by | Justin Trudeau |
| Appointed by | Julie Payette |
| Preceded by | Daniel Lang |
| 6th Premier of Yukon | |
| In office May 6, 2000 – November 30, 2002 |
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| Commissioner | Judy Gingell Jack Cable |
| Preceded by | Piers McDonald |
| Succeeded by | Dennis Fentie |
| Leader of Official Opposition of Yukon | |
| In office 1999–2000 |
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| Preceded by | John Ostashek |
| Succeeded by | Trevor Harding |
| MLA for Porter Creek South | |
| In office September 30, 1996 – October 10, 2006 |
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| Preceded by | Alan Nordling |
| Succeeded by | Don Inverarity |
| Personal details | |
| Born | April 8, 1960 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada |
| Political party | Independent Senators Group |
| Other political affiliations |
Yukon Liberal (until 2018) |
| Spouse | Daryl Berube |
| Residence | Whitehorse, Yukon |
Patricia Jane Duncan (born April 8, 1960) is an important Canadian politician from Yukon. She made history as the first female premier of Yukon, leading the territory from 2000 to 2002. Pat Duncan was also the first Liberal premier in Yukon's history.
She was the second woman in Canada to become a premier by winning a general election. She was also the first to defeat a sitting premier and a male opponent in an election. Since December 12, 2018, Pat Duncan has served as a Canadian Senator.
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Pat Duncan's Early Life and Career
Pat Duncan was born in Edmonton, Alberta, in 1960. When she was four years old, her family moved to Whitehorse, Yukon. She later studied political science at Carleton University. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree there.
Before entering politics, Pat Duncan owned her own small business. She also worked as the executive director for the Whitehorse Chamber of Commerce. In the mid-1980s, she was a special assistant to Erik Nielsen. He was the Deputy Prime Minister at the time. She stayed in this role until he retired in 1987.
Pat Duncan's Political Journey in Yukon
Becoming a Member of the Legislative Assembly
Pat Duncan first became a politician in 1996. She was elected to the Yukon Legislative Assembly. She represented the area of Porter Creek South in Whitehorse. In that election, the New Democratic Party formed the government. Pat Duncan was one of only three Liberals elected.
Leading the Yukon Liberal Party
In 1998, Pat Duncan was chosen to lead the Yukon Liberal Party. From 1998 to 2000, she was the Leader of the Official Opposition. This meant she led the main party not in power.
In the 2000 election, Pat Duncan led her party to a big win. The Yukon Liberal Party won enough seats to form a majority government. They defeated the New Democratic Party, which was in power before. The Liberals won 10 seats and got 42.7% of the votes.
Challenges as Premier
In early 2002, the Liberal government faced some challenges. Three Liberal members left the party. This meant the Liberals no longer had a majority of seats. Their government became a minority government.
On October 4, 2002, Pat Duncan decided to call another election. This was only two years into her five-year term. The election was held on November 4, 2002. Many people in Yukon were upset about the quick election.
After this election, the Yukon Liberals lost many seats. Pat Duncan was the only Liberal member re-elected. The Yukon Party then won the election. Pat Duncan stepped down as leader of the Yukon Liberal Party in 2005. She was replaced by Arthur Mitchell. She did not run for re-election in 2006 due to health reasons.
Serving as a Canadian Senator
On December 12, 2018, Pat Duncan was appointed to the Senate of Canada. The Senate is part of Canada's Parliament. Senators review laws and represent their regions. She continues to serve in this important role today.
